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Grassroots Business Fund

Grassroots Business Fund (GBF) is a global investment organization focused on providing patient capital and technical assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises in Eastern Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It aims to support high-impact businesses that create jobs and improve local standards of living.

Website
gbfund.org
Founded
2004
Recorded stages
Pre Seed, Seed, Seed Plus, Series A, Series B, Growth Equity
Recorded regions
Africa, East Africa

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Overview

Grassroots Business Fund (GBF) was founded in 2004 and operates with a strong presence in Eastern Africa, with offices in Washington, DC, and Nairobi, Kenya. The organization focuses on financing and supporting enterprises that create jobs, strengthen value chains, and reach underserved markets. GBF provides patient capital and hands-on technical assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in agriculture, manufacturing, and climate solutions, particularly targeting businesses led by women and youth. With a flexible investment model, GBF offers loans ranging from $100,000 to $3 million, aligning with the growth cycles of the enterprises it supports. Since 2008, GBF has managed over $80 million in its portfolio, achieving 21 portfolio company exits and demonstrating operational improvement in 80% of its investments.

Focus

GBF provides patient capital and structured support to SMEs in agriculture, manufacturing, and climate solutions across Eastern Africa. The organization targets businesses often overlooked by traditional lenders, offering loans ranging from $100,000 to $3 million, with terms designed to align with the growth cycles of the enterprises it supports.

Support

GBF adds value to its portfolio companies through hands-on technical assistance, covering areas such as financial management, governance, compliance, and strategic operations. This support is designed to enhance the operational capabilities of SMEs and ensure sustainable growth.

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